Rick J. Lindsey, President & CEO of Prime Insurance Company (PRIME), and John Wood, President of the affiliated Worldwide Outfitters and Guides Association (WOGA) have worked tirelessly for over seven years, visiting Congressional and Senatorial representatives from both parties in Washington, D.C. regarding the Outdoor Recreation Enhancement Act, H.R. 2771 and Executive Order 13658.

Lindsey and Wood testified before a Congressional sub-committee on two occasions to get less onerous federal treatment for expert outfitters and guides when traversing over federal lands with their customers. They were seeking exemption from the Executive Order 13658 as it caused unduly financial burdens on the outfitter and guide industry.

WOGA started operations during the 1986 insurance crisis when insurance for most of these businesses was unavailable. The organization aggressively represented outfitters and guides nationwide, pushing back for professionals against a very aggressive plaintiff bar. One of its first successful defenses was Saenz v. Whitewater Voyages, in which a California Supreme Court case upheld release of liability forms, supporting assumption of risks in recreation activities.

CALIFORNIA – SAENZ V. WHITEWATER VOYAGES, INC. The plaintiff had drowned while participating on a guided whitewater rafting trip offered by Whitewater Voyages, Inc. CDA defended Whitewater Voyages, Inc. by arguing that the liability waiver form signed by the plaintiff barred his recovery. The court agreed with CDA (claims management entity of the company) and upheld the liability waiver. That determination was later upheld on appeal, creating new case law in California regarding the effectiveness of signed pre-accident liability waiver forms. Saenz v. Whitewater Voyages, Inc., 226 Cal.App.3d 758, 276 Cal. Rptr. 672 (1990).

Over the years, both Prime and Worldwide Outfitter & Guides (WOGA) have provided a stable marketplace for specialty liability insurance coverage. Prime has steadfastly advocated for the outdoor and recreation industry throughout the United States for decades.

When asked about the efforts and resources that Prime contributed, Mr. Lindsey simply stated, “It’s our job. This is what partners do — which is to help a class of business in distress, whether it’s a legislative issue or their own unique risks, and work with them to support them and find solutions. We not only to help mitigate risk and protect assets, but also assert a partnership approach in every aspect of our business.”

Adds Lindsey, “I’m happy to have played a role in working towards establishing stability and future success of the hardworking business owners in the recreation industry. In this case, our determination and knowledge of the class allowed us to help present the various financial burdens the recreation industry faces day-to-day.